FEATS: Framework for Explorative Analog Topology Synthesis

Abstract

This paper proposes a new methodology for automated analog circuit synthesis, aiming to address the challenges known from other analog synthesis approaches: unsatisfactory time predictability due to stochastic-driven circuit generation methods, the dereliction of the creative part during the design process, and the inflexibility leading to synthesis tools, which mostly only handle just one circuit class. This contribution presents the underlying concepts and ideas to provide the predictability, flexibility, and creative freedom in order to elevate analog circuit design to the next step. A circuit generation algorithm is presented, which allows a full design-space exploration. Furthermore, an isomorphism algorithm is developed, which reduces a given set of circuits to its unique being one of the first methodologies addressing this issue. Thus, the algorithm handles vast amounts of circuits in a very efficient manner. The results demonstrate the claimed feasibility and applicability of the synthesis framework in general and in the context of system design.